Wikis

In Renee Fountain's article on Wiki Pedagogy, he likens a wiki to a palimsest, which fits perfectly. Read the definition and I think you will agree, especially once you've gotten a better grip on what a wiki actually is and how it works. But what is it, what can you do with it, why would you want to use one, and what are its applications in education? Although this should not be considered a complete explanation, the following will at least provide a general overview into the world of wikis. Sources for this summary are found at the end.

What is a wiki?

• A type of web page that can be edited by any author at any time from any location. The default setting on most wikis allows for anyone to become an author of the document, however site exist, such as this one, which allow the founder of the site to control the contributors and even the access level to the site.
• The purpose is to become a shared repository of knowledge that grows over time.

What sets wikis apart from other web pages?

• There is no "one" defining author in most cases. Whatever content is created is done so by a collective group of authors who each have knowledge to contribute to the page. In addition to the ability to write and edit your own content, authors can also:
  • edit the work of other authors
  • set the page back to a previous version, thus removing the last set of edits made to a page
• Wikis are a "work in progress". By their very nature they are an "open" document.
• Web pages have only one author, in theory, and typically commenting is only possible by direct email to the author.

How does a wiki work?

• It requires no special software or knowledge of authoring language. The only requirements to edit a page is a web browser and basic knowledge of how to use a word processor.
• Images and documents can be uploaded from a computer to the page

What sets wikis apart from blogs?

Wikis

Blogs

Multi-authored, compilation of knowledge, collaborative Author may comment in a discussion board for the page, edit the content of other authors, and revert pages to a previous version Content is constantly updated, edited, and refined Typically pertain to one topic Viewable content not dictated by time/date of its addition Viewer cannot determine which content was most recently edited unless they search for it Many times content is searchable

Single authored, reflects the personal thoughts of the author Other authors are limited to commenting on a post Once a post is published, it is rarely edited Topics vary based on the author Posts are sequential Most recent content is at the top To find content, must go through tags or topics determined by author

Sources

• Wiki Pedagogy
• WikiandBlog